Resources — Your Layoff Survival Kit
Everything you need in one place. Unemployment benefits are just the start — here's the rest of what you should know about.
📄Resume & Job Search
Update your profile, turn on 'Open to Work', and start networking. LinkedIn Premium offers a free 1-month trial — use it for InMail and seeing who viewed your profile.
The largest job board. Upload your resume and set up daily email alerts for your target roles.
Free, clean resume templates. No need to pay for a resume builder — these work great.
Free AI-powered resume builder that helps you tailor your resume to specific job descriptions.
Compares your resume against job postings to help you get past ATS (applicant tracking systems). Free tier available.
Federal government jobs. Benefits are excellent and many positions are remote now.
🛒Food Assistance (SNAP)
If you just lost your income, you likely qualify. No shame in it — this is exactly what it's for. Apply through your state's SNAP office.
Directory of every state's SNAP program with links to apply online.
Find a food bank near you for immediate help while your SNAP application is processed.
🏥Health Insurance
Losing your job is a qualifying life event — you can sign up for marketplace insurance outside of open enrollment. Often cheaper than COBRA.
Continue your employer's health plan for up to 18 months. Expensive (you pay the full premium) but keeps your existing doctors and coverage.
If your income dropped to zero, you may qualify for Medicaid (free health insurance). Eligibility varies by state.
💰Financial Help & Bills
Dial 211 or visit the website to find local assistance with rent, utilities, food, and other essentials.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program — help paying heating and cooling bills.
Know your rights. Creditors can't harass you, and there are options for managing debt during unemployment.
Free or low-cost credit counseling to help manage debt and create a budget while unemployed.
📚Skills & Training
Free courses from top universities. Many offer financial aid for certificates. Great for filling resume gaps.
Employer-recognized certificates in IT, Data Analytics, UX Design, Project Management, and more. Financial aid available.
Free job search help, resume reviews, skills training, and career counseling. Funded by the government — already paid for with your tax dollars.
Included with LinkedIn Premium (free trial). Thousands of courses on business, tech, and creative skills.
🧠Mental Health
Call or text 988. Free, confidential support 24/7. Losing a job can be devastating — it's okay to ask for help.
Free support groups and resources. Many people experience depression and anxiety after job loss — you're not alone.
Affordable therapy sessions ($30-$80) for people without insurance or with financial hardship.
You're Going to Be Okay
Losing a job is one of the most stressful things you can go through. But remember: this is temporary. File for unemployment, take care of the basics, lean on your network, and give yourself some grace. Millions of people go through this every year and come out the other side. You will too.